We’ve covered the Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) awards at length over the past year. Considered one of the most prestigious honors in the beauty world, the winners are recognized for their most innovative products. Now the organization has partnered with QVC to present once again some of the most exciting and advanced beauty launches with a special “CEW Beauty Insider’s Choice Awards” broadcast on QVC.
When talking about facial skincare products it seems like every other day a new ingredient or technology is unleashed. You see these ads for miraculous creams that fight the appearance of wrinkles, shrink your pores and every other fountain of youth claim. I don’t find that as common with body washes. In fact it seems like body washes developed years ago are just as popular and celebrated today as when they were created. It’s also not a category where I’ve ever felt the luxury market has something so much better to offer then drugstore brands (especially for the price). This generalization is something I largely contribute to Dove’s Deep Moisture Body Wash.
It’s been a staple in my shower for years. It’s affordable, offers a great experience – clean smell, rich lather, and leaves my skin smooth and balanced. We look to body washes to cleanse, however some can strip your body of their natural body oils so it’s important to opt for moisturizing body washes that leave a layer of moisture to replenish any of the oils removed. Dove’s body wash features their NutriumMoisture, which is a rich blend of nutrients clinically proven to improve moisture by preserving both natural proteins and lipids. Considering that this fulfilled on everything I was looking for in a body wash even after testing out different shower products, I found myself going back to and recommending this one. Until now.
Recently I was challenged to try Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter. Boasting the formulation contains over one jar of Olay moisturizers, the product claims: It’s hydrating, soap-free formula offers superior cleansing and 2x the lather than the leading body wash while rinsing away cleanly.
After using this product for the past three weeks I can honestly say it delivered on all accounts. Immensely hydrating, it’s thicker and works up a much larger lather then Dove or other body washes (not that Dove’s isn’t latherful as well). Olay definitely goes on heavier but rinses clean and makes skin touchably smooth within the first try and leaves skin hydrated throughout the day. By the end of the first week my skin was noticeably more soft and supple, especially around the knees and elbows, which are my trouble spots. If you have dry, flakey, skin, or tend to skip the step of moisturizers after your shower, I would highly recommend trying this product. I tend to gravitate towards clean smells, however I found Olay’s softer scent to be pleasant and nice for summer. Although my boyfriend found it a too feminine for his liking, but light enough of a fragrance to still use it.
If you’re more normal to oily you could go either way between Dove and Olay. I still love the clean scent and lightness of Dove, it wakes me up in the mornings. Both have a soft, creamy texture that leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated. Olay just offers an extra layer of hydration, which come wintertime, will be so necessary.
This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to Kellie Rose Wilson, @mirnarabbat (from instagram) and Diane Redcay (from twitter)
Happy Friday friends! I had so much fun last month partnering with my favorite retailer, Henri Bendel and skincare brand, Skyn Iceland for our summer ‘Calm Down and Cool Down’ event that we’re going to celebrate some of the highlighted products with a giveaway!
While Skyn Iceland has all the products you need to keep your skin refreshed and hydrated, there’s nothing quite like a weekend away to rejuvenate the soul. And where better to shop for those weekend essentials then Henri Bendel? So this week I’m giving away some key must-haves from both brands to keep you cool and chic all summer long.
One lucky grand prize winner will get a selection of Henri Bendel products (photographed above) including the Bendel’s Large Hanging Weekender Bag ($70), Bag Tag, Contact Case, and Pill Box as well as our 4 must have Skyn Iceland products for Summer: Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels, Glacial Cleansing Cloths, Arctic Face Mist and ANTIDOTE Cooling Daily Lotion. The grand prize is valued at over $300!
Two additional winners will get a set of the four Skyn Iceland products ($119 value)! There are 4 ways to enter: Each option counts as a separate entry.
We’ve all heard that healthy skin begins from the inside out. And it’s important not to ignore everything in between (eat right, exercise, get plenty of zzz’s…). It’s what we put in our bodies, on top of it and the lifestyle choices we make that make the biggest impact on putting our best face forward. I covered a lot of these points in my Healthy Skin 101 post last week (if you missed it, click HERE). One of the biggest factor that is important to understand when it comes to caring for our skin is protecting it from the sun.
I get it, it’s finally beach weather and who doesn’t want to soak up these sun-filled summer months, sun bathe and be bronzed and beautiful! Unfortunately, that’s not a reality unless you want to slather yourself in SPF, wear a sun hat and then head home to douse yourself in self tanner or body bronzers. Besides the risks of skin cancer from overexposure to the sun, the stagering statistic that 90% of skin aging is a direct result of UV light exposure is nothing to ignore. So what’s the best anti-aging remedy? Staying out of the sun. What else can you do about it? Plenty.
1. Wear SPF. As an Aveeno ambassador I always have a healthy supply of SPF in all forms around the apartment. If radient, youthful skin is at all something you care about (you know it is!) make sure you’re wearing a minimum of an SPF 15 and the sunscreen has broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Don’t forget to reapply every 1-2 hours (this goes for any brand sunscreen). And
Today NIVEA is launching, “Style, Uncapped,” a customized lip care design campaign that lets you personalize their lip care lid. To celebrate the launch, NIVEA tapped fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff for the official unveil the campaign, hosted at The Standard Hotel in NYC. In support of the program, Minkoff created a limited edition design inspired by her spring 2013 collection which is also available for purchase.
“I’m thrilled to be partnering with NIVEA,” said Rebecca Minkoff. “Like the brand, I appreciate and encourage self-expression. With this first of it’s kind program, we will give everyone in America the opportunity to make their lip cap
Rectangular bottle, green writing, yellow moisturizer… it can only be one thing: Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion by Clinque. We all know it, most of us have used it — it’s the essential last step in the Clinique’s 3-Step Skincare System. Now it’s common to have a skincare routine but growing up this was my first introduction to a ‘cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize’ regimen. My story, coupled with the millions of people globally who share a similar experience is what makes this brand and this lotion so iconic.
On Tuesday night, Clinique invited me to Dramatically Different Party. Hosted at 620 Loft and Garden in Rockefeller Center, the party celebrated the launch of a NEW Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+.
Here’s a taste of the evening…
So why after so many decades did Clinique reformulate such a staple product?
As summer heats up it’s important to take a moment for a little R&R and pampering and we did just that. And at my favorite store in NYC no less! On Tuesday night I had the pleasure of hosting an event with skincare brand, Skyn Iceland at the private event space at Henri Bendel’s (where you an now purchase Skyn Iceland products). We transformed the room into a relaxing mecca offering manicures by Spa Nail, cold juice pressed drinks from Liquiteria and the most amazing gluten-free cupcakes (arguably the most amazing cupcakes ever) by Kaked, and of course some bubbly to toast summer. Guests enjoyed an eye cooling bar using Skyn Iceland’s Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels, which instantly de-puff eyes in 10 minutes and are everything you need to look refreshed after a night out or not enough sleep. There were also stress tests on hand, which involved putting a strip under your tongue for 30 seconds and it reads your stress level — on a scale of 20 to 91+ I got a 130 which was a bit of an awakening that maybe I need to slow down a bit!
We also showed off the perfect summer products to help you cool off and cool down (the theme of the event) and have healthy, radient skin. The products included the Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels, Glacial Cleansing Cloths with Biospheric Complex (foaming cleansing wipes perfect for any girl, or man on the go!), Arctic Face Mist, which is the most refreshing spray toning mist and is filled with vitamins. It’s incredibly refreshing and another product I carry around if I’m out all day in the sun. And lastly the ANTIDOTE Cooling Daily Lotion with Biospheric Complex which is a cooling, lightweight moisturizing lotion perfect for red and irritated, oily or acne-prone skin. All of Skyn Iceland’s products are paraben free and great for sensitive skin.
Outfit dets! Dress: Alice + Olivia, Shoe: Schutz Shoes, Necklace: House of Harlow. Eyelashes c/o Velour Lashes. Makeup by Julio Sandino using NARS.
Thank you Skyn Iceland and Henri Bendel for a magical night!
Skyn Iceland is now available at Henri Bendel. Learn more at skyniceland.com
If you’re looking for top beauty, hair and skincare brands at a fraction of their retail price (we’re even talking brands that rarely discount…) then visit QVC. Recently, I stopped by their beauty event to sample some of the new products debuting on their site and network including finds from Stila, Laura, Geller, Josie Maran, Tarte and Philosophy (to name a few) and meet the experts behind the brand.
My first stop was to the Stila booth where I got to experience the new Countless Color Pigments Eye Shadow (#5 below) that offers long lasting full coverage and an endless shade possibilities. I have been using the Groupie shade and just love mixing different shades for different occasions. And since it’s color pigment don’t feel limited by using this product solely on your eyes. Depending on
As a girl constantly on the go I am always looking for ways to make my bag a little lighter and more efficient while still having all the essentials I need on hand. Basically if it doesn’t fit in my carry-on-bag it isn’t coming. Having recently stopped by the Blog Meets Brand! event, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Elizabeth Arden team and learning some travel beauty tips from their Global Makeup Artist, Rebecca Restrepo.
Whether you will be away for a few days or weeks the Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum let you can bring just enough capsules for however long your away. They are compact and individually packed to ensure fresh product every time you apply. Ceramides comprise of 50% of the essential lipids found in the skin and are essential in maintaining defense against sign of aging. Rebecca Restrepo’s tip: apply mid-flight for extra hydration and also can be used as a makeup primer.
Since skin can get really dehydrated when flying another must have in the bag: The legendary Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream (created by Ms. Arden herself in 1930 and has yet to be changed) Rebecca Restrepo’s tip: apply to lips and use on hands and elbows throughout the flight. Warm up the product in the palms of your hands before applying to the skin to help activate
Spring is here, the sun is finally out and it’s as imperative (as always) to wear SPF. If the greasiness and pore clogging connotations hold you back from daily application, stay away from sunscreen sprays and lotions with high concentrations of silicone, petroleum, synthesized oils and chemicals.
Previse skin care recently launched SunSheer™ ($36), a broad Spectrum, SPF 25, free of pore clogging and controversial ingredients. The recipe contains a blend of micronized titanium and zinc oxide to effectively fight UVA and UVB radiation. It will not
